They are proof that true love CAN be found on a double-decker.

After a bus company appealed for public transport lovebirds to come forward in the run-up to Valentine’s Day, M.E.N columnist Andrew Grimes scoffed at the idea of romance being found among the screwed up tickets.

But Irene and Derek Bailey got in touch to say their long and happy relationship began on the bottom deck of the 114 bus from Moston to Manchester 46 years ago.

Derek was the conductor who took Irene’s six-penny fare.

Tomorrow the couple, from Elford Grove, Gorton, who married two years after meeting, will celebrate the anniversary of the moment their eyes first met on February 9, 1964.

Irene, who as a 17-year-old was impressed by 20-year-old Derek’s smart uniform, said: “I haven’t got the ticket any more but it was well worth the money.”

Derek, who first cheekily felt Irene’s hand to check for an engagement ring, said: “If it wasn’t for the buses we would never have met.”

Irene, 63, a cook at a children’s centre in Withington, said: “I remember looking at Derek and thinking that he was really nice. He looked very dapper in his uniform.

“He met me downstairs and kept running up and down so he could talk to me.

“I did not know much about him and I remember that when he first came to pick me up for a date my mum wrote down his car registration plate in case I did not come back.

“I have got a lot to thank the buses for. It was only a spur of the moment thing that I decided to go home for lunch that day. I’m glad I did as he is a lovely husband.

“We always hold hands no matter where we go.”

Derek, who retired two years ago from a career in retail logistics, said: “I remember that she had gloves on because it was cold.

“I think she was the only person on the bus at the time. I just thought that she was really nice.

“She got on again the next day and it went from there. We used to meet up on Sundays.”

The couple have a daughter Amanda, three grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Derek added: “We are still together and in love. I only had eyes for her.”